“Lazar Amurov murdered his wife because he likes to kill,” Alonzo explained in that same low tone devoid of all expression. “As did my father and Sevastyan’s father. My father killed my mother. Some things should be sacred. Antonio Arnotto cherished his granddaughter. I saw that every day. I want a family. That is important to me. This . . .” He swept his arm around to take in the conference table and the men sitting there. “This is a family. This is where I belong.”

Fredo nodded. “I knew Mitya Amurov when he was attending the university with my son. He is a good man and very intelligent. He is also extremely loyal and has connections we all could use once he is established.”

There was a small silence. Mario nodded slowly. “If no one else has anything to say . . .”

Ulisse stood up. “I respect all that Fyodor has to say, but the fact remains that he acquired his territory under false pretenses. He acquired it as Alonzo Massi, not Fyodor Amurov. I know this man’s reputation, and he is one of the worst of the Amurovs. How do we know he’s telling us the truth? Excuse me, Fyodor, but we need to make absolutely certain of what we’re doing here. Loyalty is needed in our business, and you were not raised that way.”

Elijah stood up, facing Ulisse. “This man is known to me. He used that fierceness to protect Siena, my wife. He stood for her when every other one of her grandfather’s soldiers stood solidly behind the man who beat, kidnapped and tried to rape her. He risked his life for her over and over, even to the point of coming to my home when she was with me. Alone. Knowing I would kill him if he made one slipup. He still came to make certain she was safe. That is loyalty. He wasn’t getting paid. Antonio was dead. He’d opposed Paolo Riso and there was a price on his head. Still, he didn’t run. He didn’t throw in with Riso; he protected Siena. That’s loyalty. That’s a sense of family. I knew who he was and so did Siena. I asked him to take over the Arnotto territory for Siena. He didn’t want to do it, said he was a soldier, Siena’s soldier. That’s loyalty, Ulisse. I don’t think you ever have to question his loyalty or his desire for a family. He’s already that much a part of this thing of ours.”

Elijah sank back into his chair, leaving Ulisse still standing. The man stood for another few moments while the seconds ticked by. Alonzo saw Emilio’s hand come up to subtly tap Ulisse’s wrist. Only then did the man nod as if he understood and agreed with everything Elijah had said.

“We vote. Everyone in favor of allowing Mitya Amurov the Amodeo territory raise their hand.”